Displaying a post unit within a stream interface

ABSTRACT

A system and method for displaying a post unit within a stream interface are provided. A stream interface is provided for display and comprises at least one post unit. For the at least one post unit, post content and a first interface set are provided for display on a first side of the post unit. The first interface set includes one or more interface components for interacting with the post content, and an expand interface component for expanding the first interface set. An indication of a user selection of the expand interface component is received. In response to the received indication, and for the at least one post unit, the post content and a second interface set are provided for display on a second side of the post unit. The second interface set includes a greater number or a different class of interface components for interacting with the post content.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/731,629 entitled “DISPLAYING A POST UNIT WITHINA STREAM INTERFACE,” filed on Dec. 31, 2012, which is herebyincorporated by reference it its entirety for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure generally relates to stream interfaces and, inparticular, to displaying a post unit within a stream interface.

Internet users often spend time reading, viewing or interacting within astream interface, for example, of a social networking service. In thisregard, there is a goal of increasing the user engagement with thestream by providing the user with an interface that allows deepinteraction, and content/entertainment features that the user isinclined to interact with. On the other hand, there is also a goal ofeasy navigation and high usability of the stream, where the userinterface of the stream is consistent, intuitive, simple and clean.However, these two goals can conflict each other.

SUMMARY

In one innovative aspect, the disclosed subject matter can be embodiedin a method. The method comprises providing a stream interface fordisplay in a stream format, the stream interface comprising at least onepost unit having a first side and a second side. The method furthercomprises providing, for the at least one post unit, post content and afirst interface set for display on the first side of the post unit, thefirst interface set comprising one or more interface components forinteracting with the post content, and the first interface set furthercomprising an expand interface component for expanding the firstinterface set. The method further comprises receiving an indication of auser selection of the expand interface component. In addition, themethod comprises providing, in response to the received indication, andfor the at least one post unit, the post content and a second interfaceset for display on the second side of the post unit, the secondinterface set comprising a greater number or a different class ofinterface components for interacting with the post content compared tothe one or more interface components of the first interface set.

These and other embodiments can include one or more of the followingfeatures. Providing the post content and the second interface set canprovide an expanded version of the post content, relative to the postcontent provided with the first interface set. An animation effect canbe provided to transition display from the first side of the post unitto the second side of the post unit.

The interface components for the second interface set can be specific toa type of the post content. The type of the post content can correspondto at least one of the following: a posted link, a photo album, a video,a questionnaire, a voting interface, a video game, a chat session, avideo chat session, or a product purchase offer. The second interfaceset can further comprise an interface component for returning to displayof the post content with the first interface set, on the first side ofthe post unit. The post content can comprise an item for sale, and thefirst interface set can comprise one or more interface components fordisplaying the name, price, image and the offer associated to the itemfor sale. The second interface set can comprise an interface componentfor purchasing the item.

At least one of the post content and the first interface set or the postcontent and the second interface set can be provided for 3D display on a3D screen. The post content and the second interface can be provided for3D display so as to emerge from the 3D screen. Availability of the 3Dscreen can be detected, and providing the post content and the firstinterface set for 3D display, and providing the post content and thesecond interface set for 3D display can be based on the detectedavailability of the 3D screen.

The stream interface can be displayed on a mobile device, and receivingthe indication of the user selection of the expand interface componentcan be based on an orientation of the mobile device. The interfacecomponents for the second interface set can be user-specified. Providingthe post content and the first interface set for display, and providingthe post content and the second interface set for display, can be basedon an API-based editing mode for the post unit. Log data can be providedfor at least one of receiving the indication of the user selection ofthe expand interface component, receiving user interaction correspondingto the first interface set, or receiving user interaction correspondingto the second interface set.

In another innovative aspect, the disclosed subject matter can beembodied in a system. The system comprises one or more processors, and amachine-readable medium comprising instructions stored therein, whichwhen executed by the processors, cause the processors to performoperations comprising providing a stream interface for display in astream format, the stream interface comprising at least one post unit.The operations further comprise providing, for the at least one postunit, post content and a first interface set for display, the firstinterface set comprising one or more interface components forinteracting with the post content, and the first interface set furthercomprising an expand interface component for expanding the firstinterface set, and receiving an indication of a user selection of theexpand interface component. In addition, the operations compriseproviding, in response to the received indication, and for the at leastone post unit, the post content and a second interface set for display,the second interface set comprising a greater number or a differentclass of interface components for interacting with the post contentcompared to the one or more interface components of the first interfaceset. Providing the post content and the first interface set correspondsto display of a first side of the post unit, and providing the postcontent and the second interface set corresponds to display of a secondside of the post unit.

These and other embodiments can include the following feature. Ananimation effect can be provided to transition display from the firstside of the post unit to the second side of the post unit. Providing thepost content and the second interface set can provide an expandedversion of the post content, relative to the post content provided withthe first interface set. The interface components for the secondinterface set can be specific to a type of the post content.

In another innovative aspect, the disclosed subject matter can beembodied in a machine-readable medium. The machine-readable mediumcomprises instructions stored therein, which when executed by a system,cause the system to perform operations comprising providing a streaminterface for display in a stream format, the stream interfacecomprising at least one post unit having a first side and a second side.The operations further comprise providing, for the at least one postunit, post content and a first interface set for display on the firstside of the post unit, the first interface set comprising one or moreinterface components for interacting with the post content, and thefirst interface set further comprising an expand interface component forexpanding the first interface set, and receiving an indication of a userselection of the expand interface component. In addition, the operationscomprise providing, in response to the received indication, and for theat least one post unit, the post content and a second interface set fordisplay on the second side of the post unit, the second interface setcomprising a greater number or a different class of interface componentsfor interacting with the post content compared to the one or moreinterface components of the first interface set, and the secondinterface set further comprising an interface component for returning todisplay of the post content with the first interface set on the firstside of the post unit.

Advantageously, the subject technology provides for increased userengagement within a stream interface, and for multiple perspectives of apost. For example, given a post unit within a stream, a user can quicklyaccess essential functionality for interacting with content of the postunit via the first interface set on the first side of the post unit. Toaccess different (e.g., more advanced) functionality, the user canselect the expand interface component within the first interface set,and be directed to the second interface set on the second side of thepost unit, where the second interface set includes additional interfacecomponents for interacting with the post content.

It is understood that other configurations of the subject technologywill become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from thefollowing detailed description, wherein various configurations of thesubject technology are shown and described by way of illustration. Aswill be realized, the subject technology is capable of other anddifferent configurations and its several details are capable ofmodification in various other respects, all without departing from thescope of the subject technology. Accordingly, the drawings and detaileddescription are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not asrestrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Features of the subject technology are set forth in the appended claims.However, for purpose of explanation, several embodiments of the subjecttechnology are set forth in the following figures.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example network environment which provides fordisplaying a post unit within a stream interface.

FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate example of a post unit having post content andinterfaces for interacting with the post content.

FIGS. 3A-3B illustrate another example of a post unit having postcontent and interfaces for interacting with the post content.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example process by which a post unit is displayedwithin a stream interface.

FIG. 5 conceptually illustrates an example electronic system with whichsome implementations of the subject technology can be implemented.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description set forth below is intended as a description ofvarious configurations of the subject technology and is not intended torepresent the only configurations in which the subject technology may bepracticed. The appended drawings are incorporated herein and constitutea part of the detailed description. The detailed description includesspecific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understandingof the subject technology. However, it will be clear and apparent tothose skilled in the art that the subject technology is not limited tothe specific details set forth herein and may be practiced without thesespecific details. In some instances, well-known structures andcomponents are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuringthe concepts of the subject technology.

As noted above, internet users often spend time reading, viewing orinteracting within a stream interface, for example, of a socialnetworking service). In this regard, there is a goal of increasing theuser engagement with the stream by providing the user with an interfacethat allows deep interaction, and content/entertainment features thatthe user is inclined to interact with. On the other hand, there is alsoa goal of easy navigation and high usability of the stream, where theuser interface of the stream is consistent, intuitive, simple and clean.However, these two goals can conflict each other.

The subject technology provides for displaying a post unit within astream interface. A stream interface is displayed in a stream format,the stream interface including at least one post unit having a firstside (e.g., a front side) and a second side (e.g., a back side). Postcontent and a first interface set for the at least one post unit aredisplayed on the first side (e.g., the front side) of the post unit, thefirst interface set including one or more interface components forinteracting with the post content, and further including an expandinterface component (e.g., a “view photos” button for a post unitcorresponding to a photo album) for expanding the first interface set. Auser selection of the expand interface component is received. Inresponse to the user selection, the post content and a second interfaceset for the at least one post unit are displayed on the second side(e.g., the back side) of the post unit, the second interface setcomprising a greater number or a different class of interface componentsfor interacting with the post content compared to the one or moreinterface components of the first interface set.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example network environment which provides fordisplaying a post unit within a stream interface. A network environment100 includes computing devices 102, 104 and 106, and computing system110. Computing devices 102-106, and computing system 110 can communicatewith each other through a network 108. Computing system 110 can includeone or more computing devices 112 (e.g., one or more servers),respectively, and one or more computer-readable storage devices 114(e.g., one or more databases), respectively.

Each of computing devices 102-106 can represent various forms ofprocessing devices. Example processing devices can include a desktopcomputer, a laptop computer, a handheld computer, a personal digitalassistant (PDA), a cellular telephone, a network appliance, a camera, asmart phone, an enhanced general packet radio service (EGPRS) mobilephone, a media player, a navigation device, an email device, a gameconsole, or a combination of any these data processing devices or otherdata processing devices. Computing devices 102-106 and 112 may beprovided access to or receive application software executed or stored onany of the other computing systems 102-106 and 112.

Computing device 112 may be any system or device having a processor, amemory, and communications capability for providing content toelectronic devices 102-106. In some example aspects, server 110 can be asingle computing device, for example, a computer server. In otherembodiments, server 110 can represent more than one computing deviceworking together to perform the actions of a server computer (e.g.,cloud computing). Further, computing device 112 can represent variousforms of servers including, but not limited to a web server, anapplication server, a proxy server, a network server, or a server farm.

In some aspects, the computing devices (e.g., 102-106, 112) maycommunicate wirelessly through a communication interface (not shown),which may include digital signal processing circuitry where necessary.The communication interface may provide for communications under variousmodes or protocols, for example, Global System for Mobile communication(GSM) voice calls, Short Message Service (SMS), Enhanced MessagingService (EMS), or Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) messaging, CodeDivision Multiple Access (CDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA),Personal Digital Cellular (PDC), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access(WCDMA), CDMA2000, or General Packet Radio System (GPRS), among others.For example, the communication may occur through a radio-frequencytransceiver (not shown). In addition, short-range communication mayoccur, for example, using a Bluetooth, WiFi, or other such transceiver.

In some aspects, network environment 100 can be a distributedclient/server system that spans one or more networks, for example,network 108. Network 108 can be a large computer network, for example, alocal area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), the Internet, acellular network, or a combination thereof connecting any number ofmobile clients, fixed clients, and servers. Further, network 108 caninclude, but is not limited to, any one or more of the following networktopologies, including a bus network, a star network, a ring network, amesh network, a star-bus network, tree or hierarchical network, and thelike. In some aspects, communication between each client (e.g.,computing devices 102-106) and server (e.g., server 110) can occur via avirtual private network (VPN), Secure Shell (SSH) tunnel, or othersecure network connection. In some aspects, network 108 may furtherinclude a corporate network (e.g., intranet) and one or more wirelessaccess points.

In example aspects, processing device 112 executes computer instructionsstored in data store 114, for example, to display a post unit within astream interface. The stream interface can be provided within anapplication hosted by server 110. Examples of applications hosted byserver 110 include, but are not limited to, a social networking service,a search engine, an ecommerce site, a content site (e.g., a newswebsite, a video-sharing website), a forum site or a blog. Theapplication is accessible, for example, by any of computing devices102-106.

Server 110 provides the stream interface for display in a stream format(e.g., on any of computing devices 102-106), the stream interfacecomprising at least one post unit having a first side and a second side.Server 110 provides, for the at least one post unit, post content and afirst interface set for display on the first side of the post unit(e.g., on any of computing devices 102-106). The first interface setincludes one or more interface components for interacting with the postcontent, and further includes an expand interface component forexpanding the first interface set. Server 110 receives (e.g., from anyof computing devices 102-106) an indication of a user selection of theexpand interface component. In response to the received indication, andfor the at least one post unit, server 110 provides the post content anda second interface set for display on the second side of the post unit.The second interface set includes a greater number or a different classof interface components for interacting with the post content comparedto the one or more interface components of the first interface set.

FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate example of a post unit having post content andinterfaces for interacting with the post content. FIG. 2A illustrates anapplication 200 which includes a stream interface 202. Application 200corresponds to any application which includes a stream interface,including but not limited to, a social networking service, a searchengine, an ecommerce site, a content site (e.g., a news website, avideo-sharing website), a forum site or a blog. For example, application200 can be hosted by server 110 and accessible by any of computingdevices 102-106.

Stream interface 202 provides for display of one or more post units in astream format. In the example of FIG. 2A, stream interface 200 includespost unit 204. As can be seen in FIG. 2A, post unit 204 includes postcontent 206 a. For example, post content can correspond to one or moredigital photos (e.g., within a photo album), a posted link, a video, aquestionnaire, a voting interface, a video game, a chat session, a videochat session, or an item (e.g., product or service) purchase offer. Inthe example of FIG. 2A, post content 206 a corresponds to a photo albumwith multiple photos.

With reference to FIG. 2B, in addition to post content 206 a, post unit204 also includes multiple interface components for interacting withpost content 206 a. Post unit 204 includes a first interface set 210 forinteracting with the photo album corresponding to post content 206 a.First interface set 210 includes an endorse interface component 212(e.g., an endorse button) for endorsing post content 206 a, a shareinterface component 214 (e.g., a share button) for sharing post content206 a (e.g., with another online contact), and a comment interfacecomponent 216 (e.g., a comment button) for commenting on post 206 a. Inexample aspects, first interface set 210 can correspond to essentialfeatures (e.g., set as defaults or user-specified) for interacting withpost content 206 a.

In addition to the above interfaces, post unit 204 includes an expandinterface component 208 (e.g., expand button or a “view photos” button),for providing more interface components for interacting with postcontent 206 a. More particularly, a user accessing application 200 canselect the expand interface component 208, and in response, application200 can transition from displaying first interface set 210 to displayinga second interface set 220.

FIG. 2C illustrates second interface set 220, which includes apotentially greater number of interface components, or a different classof interface components, for interacting with the post content comparedto the components of the first interface set 210. In the example of FIG.2C, second interface set 220 includes endorse interface component 212,share interface component 214, and comment interface component 216,which are interface components that are shared with first interface set210. However, in example aspects, second interface set 220 does notshare all of the interface components provided by first interface set210.

The interface components for second interface set 220 are specific to atype of the post content. For example, since post unit 204 correspondsto a photo album, second interface set 220 further includes a stepforward/back interface component 222 (e.g., a step forward/back button)for stepping through photos, a download interface component 224 (e.g., adownload button) for downloading photos, a tag interface component 226(e.g., a tag button) for tagging or otherwise identifying people/objectsin photos, and an additional information interface component 228 (e.g.,an additional information button) for displaying additional information(e.g., timestamp, geolocation data) for photos. In example aspects,second interface set 220 can correspond to essential features togetherwith advanced features (e.g., set as defaults or user-specified) forinteracting with post content 206 b.

In addition to second interface set 220, FIG. 2C further provides forpost content 206 b, corresponding to content for post unit 204. Inexample aspects, post content 206 b includes the same content as postcontent 206 a of FIG. 2B. Alternatively, post content 206 b can includedifferent or additional content (e.g., an expanded version of content)relative to post content 206 a. For example, although not shown in FIGS.2B-2C, post content 206 a provided with first interface set 210 may belimited to a representative photo (e.g., thumbnail) of a photo album,while post content 206 b provided with second interface set 220 mayinclude multiple photos (e.g., thumbnails) of the photo album.

Second interface set 220 can also include a return interface component218 (e.g., a return button or a “close” button) for returning to displayof the post content with first interface set 210. Thus, if a user ofapplication 200 selects return interface component 218, application 200can return to the display of post content 206 a and first interface set210, as shown in FIG. 2B.

With reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B, providing post content 206 a andfirst interface set 210 can correspond to display of a first side (e.g.,a front side) of post unit 204, while providing post content 206 b andsecond interface set 220 can correspond to display of a second side(e.g., a back side) of post unit 204. When the second side (e.g., theback side) of post unit 204 is activated, the application area outsideof the post can be grayed out (not shown), to focus the user's attentionon the actual post interface (e.g., on post unit 204).

An animation effect (e.g., a “flipping” effect) can be used totransition display from the first side of post unit 204, correspondingto FIG. 2B, to the second side of post unit 204, corresponding to FIG.2C. The animation effect can be provided server-side (e.g., by server110). Alternatively, or in addition, the animation effect can beprovided locally (e.g., by any of computing devices 102-106). Forexample, any of computing devices 102-106 accessing application 200 candownload the animation effect ahead of time to a web browser on theclient device.

Accordingly, FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate an example interface which providesfor multiple perspectives of a post unit. In example aspects, a postedphoto album (or slideshow) can be viewed on a first side (e.g., frontside), with interface components providing essential functionality forinteracting with the post content. A user can view the album photos withmore advanced functionality by switching (e.g., flipping) the post unitto its second side (e.g., back side). The second side of the post hasall, or nearly all, of the interface components necessary for navigatingin the photo album, and for returning to the first side of the post.

It should be noted that the switching is not limited to a front and aback side of a post unit. In this regard, the switching can occur forthree or more sides. For example, each of the sides can have arespective interface set with different numbers and/or different classesof interface components for interacting with the post content.Furthermore, the subject technology is not limited to sides of a postunit, and can apply to post units having multiple dimensions and/orsurfaces.

For example, a post unit can correspond to a three-dimensional shape(e.g., a cube, a pyramid) with each surface of the shape correspondingto a different interface set. Each interface set, in turn, has differentnumbers and/or different classes of interface components for interactingwith the post content. In addition, an animation effect can be employedfor switching between interface sets in various directions (e.g., leftand right, up and down, diagonally, etc). Thus, in addition to or as analternative to front and back sides, the subject technology can providefor multiple surfaces, dimensions and/or other representations for apost unit, and can further provide for navigating between thecorresponding interface sets.

FIGS. 3A-3B illustrate another example of a post unit having postcontent and interfaces for interacting with the post content. As notedabove, post content with a first interface set can be displayed as afirst side (e.g., a front side) of a post unit, and post content with asecond interface set can be displayed as a second side (e.g., a backside) of the post unit. FIGS. 3A-3B illustrate an addition, oralternative, to displaying multiple sides of a post unit. In particular,FIGS. 3A-3B illustrate displaying different sizes for a post unit.

FIG. 3A illustrates an application 300 which includes a stream interface302. Application 300 corresponds to any application which includes astream interface, including but not limited to, a social networkingservice, a search engine, an ecommerce site, a content site (e.g., anews website, a video-sharing website), a forum site or a blog. Forexample, application 300 can be hosted by server 110 and accessible byany of computing devices 102-106.

Stream interface 300 provides for display of one or more post units in astream format. In the example of FIG. 3A, stream interface 300 includespost unit 304. As can be seen in FIG. 3A, post unit 304 includes postcontent 306 a. For example, post content can correspond to one or moredigital photos (e.g., within a photo album), a posted link, a video, aquestionnaire, a voting interface, a video game, a chat session, a videochat session, or a product purchase offer.

In addition to post content 306 a, post unit 304 includes a firstinterface set 310, which includes one or more interface components forinteracting with post content 306 a. Post unit 304 can also include anexpand interface component (not shown), for providing additional oralternative interface components for interacting with post content 306a. More particularly, a user accessing application 300 can select theexpand interface component (e.g., an expand button), and in response,application 300 can transition from displaying first interface set 310to displaying a second interface set 314.

FIG. 3B illustrates second interface set 314 which includes apotentially greater number of interface components, or a different classof interface components, for interacting with the post content comparedto the components of the first interface set 310. In example aspects,second interface set 314 includes the one or more interface componentsof first interface set 210, as well as additional interface components.In an alternative example, second interface set 314 does not share allof the one or more interface components of first interface set 310. Theinterface components for second interface set 314 can be specific to atype of the post content.

In addition to second interface set 314, FIG. 3B further provides forpost content 306 b, corresponding to content for post unit 304. Inexample aspects, post content 306 b includes the same content as postcontent 306 a of FIG. 3B. Alternatively, post content 306 b can includedifferent or additional content (e.g., an expanded version of content)relative to post content 306 a.

Second interface set 314 can also include a return interface component318 for returning to display of the post content with first interfaceset 310. Thus, if a user of application 300 selects return interfacecomponent 318, application 300 can return to the display of post content306 a and first interface set 310, as shown in FIG. 3A.

As noted above, FIGS. 3A-3B can display different sizes for a post unit.In this regard, post content 306 a and first interface set 310 can bedisplayed at a first display size 312 (e.g., a normal view size) of postunit 304, while post content 306 b and second interface set 314 can bedisplayed at a second display size 316 (e.g., an enlarged or magnifiedview size) of post unit 304. In example aspects, the magnified displayof second display size 316 can provide for more post content 306 band/or additional interface components within second interface set 314,relative to post content 306 a and the one or more interface componentsof first interface set 310.

An animation effect (e.g., a “growing” effect) can be used to transitiondisplay from the first display size of post unit 304, corresponding toFIG. 3A, to the second display size of post unit 304, corresponding toFIG. 3B. The animation effect can be provided server-side (e.g., byserver 110). Alternatively, or in addition, the animation effect can beprovided locally (e.g., by any of computing devices 102-106). Forexample, any of client devices 102-106 accessing application 300 candownload the animation effect ahead of time to a web browser on theclient device.

In example aspects, the user can click on a hyperlink within post unit304 of FIG. 3A. This can cause application 300 to open the linked pagewithin a full browser window of application 300, as shown by themagnified post unit of FIG. 3B. For example, the hyperlinked page canappear in a full browser screen, as an overlay above application 300.The user can navigate (e.g., including visiting other linked pagesprovided by post unit 304) throughout the page as usual, and the usercan have a one-click return option (e.g., via return interface component318) to stream interface 302 as shown in FIG. 3A. In an additionalexample, the visible elements of stream interface 302 which are not partof the expanded and magnified second post unit, can further be separatedby overlaying a blur effect on those visible elements.

Thus, FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate that different display sizes can beprovided for a post unit, based on whether the first interface set orthe second interface set is presented. In addition, FIGS. 2A-2Cillustrate that first and second interface sets can be displayed onfirst and second sides, respectively, of a post unit. In this regard, itshould be noted that switching between display of the first interfaceset and the second interface set can include a combination of displayingfirst and second sides (e.g., front and back sides), and displaying atfirst and second display sizes (e.g., normal and magnified sizes).

For example, if the post content corresponds to a photo album, userselection of the expand interface component can cause the application(e.g., hosted on server 110) to switch from a first to a second side ofthe post unit, and user selection of a photo on the second side cancause the application to magnify the selected picture. In anotherexample, user selection of the expand interface component can cause theapplication to provide magnified display of the post unit, and userselection of a photo in the magnified display can cause the applicationto switch from a first side with limited interface components to asecond side with additional interface components.

With reference to FIGS. 2A-2C and 3A-3B, switching between the first andsecond interface sets can be effected by clicking a button (e.g., theexpand interface component), hand gestures (e.g., on a touchscreendevice), keyboard shortcuts or voice commands. Head gesture control isalso possible, for example, in a head mounted device (e.g., glassesproviding augmented reality). The post unit can have rounded edges orsharp edges.

Further, the switching between first and second interface sets can beaccompanied by a sound effect. On mobile devices, this effect can be avibration effect. On mobile devices, the switching between first andsecond interface sets can be adaptive to the user of the mobile device(e.g., based on an orientation/manner that the device is held). Thesecond interface set can include interfaces which are user-specified.Alternatively, the second interface set may be a default set ofinterfaces specific to the type of post content.

In addition, there may be an API-based editing mode for the post unit.In this regard, a third-party online-merchant can edit the interface(e.g., the look/feel of the first and second interface sets) of a postunit (e.g., provided on a social networking service). In exampleaspects, certain editing modes and user interface behavior variationscan be available to a limited set of users, while other editing modesand user interface behavior variations can be available to every user.

In example aspects, the second interface set (and any changes to thepost content) can be downloaded from the server (e.g., server 110) atthe time a user selects the expand interface component. Alternatively,the second interface set (and any changes to the post content) can bepre-cached, for example, at the browser level (e.g., using DHTML, HTMLor Javascript). Among other features, the second interface set caninclude interfaces for reporting spam or an interface for generating adirect link to the post.

In example aspects regarding analytics, the switching between first andsecond interface sets, and any other user interactions within the postunit can be logged, for example, to determine user engagement with thefirst and second interface sets. In example aspects, the log data isonly visible to the author of the post unit. In another example, the logdata is visible to other users to which the author of the post providedaccess. The version of the second interface set provided to the authormay include one or more interface components for providing statisticalanalysis of the logged data (e.g., analysis of overall user engagementwith the first and second interface sets).

While FIGS. 2A-2C and 3A-3B illustrate examples of post contentcorresponding to a photo album, the subject technology is not limited tosuch. For example, the post content can correspond to an on-linemerchant posting an item (e.g., a product or service for sale) within apost unit. The first interface set can be limited to displaying thename, price and image of the item. The second interface set can includeadditional interfaces, for example, for purchasing the product using asingle interface component (e.g., a button) within the post unitdisplayed in the stream. In addition, the online-merchant can providefor display of coupons (e.g., with corresponding barcodes) for thesecond interface set, as well as interfaces related to the coupons(e.g., for printing and saving the coupons).

In another example, the post content can correspond to an on-linequestionnaire posted within a post unit of a stream. The first interfaceset can include a title and description of the questionnaire, and thesecond interface set can include interactive fields. Examples ofinteractive fields include, but are not limited to radio buttons, textfields, combination boxes, etc., for filling out the questionnairewithin the post unit.

In another example, the post unit can correspond to an on-line article.The first interface set can include interfaces for sharing or saving thearticle. The second interface set can include additional interfaces,such as an interface for displaying related articles.

In addition, the switching between the first interface set and thesecond interface set can be provided for 3D screens. In this regard,switching between the first and second interface sets can includeproviding an effect for the second interface set to emerge from thescreen. In addition, for a regular TV screen, the above-describedanimation effects (e.g., for “flipping” between the first and secondsides, or for switching between first and second display sizes) can beimplemented with standard 3D modes, including but not limited to,red/cyan, green/magenta, blue/yellow, interleaved rows, columns orcheckerboard. These implementations can require 3D glasses for the user.

In example aspects, the user can set a user preference (e.g., with orwithout 3D effect). Furthermore, the server (e.g., server 110) hostingthe application with the stream interface (e.g., including the postunit) can detect the availability of 3D screens for which the user doesnot require special glasses (e.g., autostereoscopic, multiscopic,volumetric or holographic displays). The server can then serve the 3Deffect version to such detected screens, while serving a 2D effectversion to regular screens.

Although certain examples provided herein can describe a user'sinformation being stored in memory, the user can delete the userinformation from memory and/or opt out of having the user informationstored in memory. In example aspects, the user can adjust appropriateprivacy settings to selectively limit the types of user informationstored in memory, or select the memory in which the user information isstored (e.g., locally on the user's device as opposed to remotely on aserver). In example aspects, the user information does not includeand/or share the specific identification of the user (e.g., the user'sname) unless otherwise specifically provided or directed by the user.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example process by which a post unit is displayedwithin a stream interface. Following start block 402, a stream interfaceis provided for display in a stream format at step 404. The streaminterface includes at least one post unit having a first side and asecond side.

At step 406, for the at least one post unit, post content and a firstinterface set are provided for display on the first side of the postunit. The first interface set includes one or more interface componentsfor interacting with the post content, and further includes an expandinterface component for expanding the first interface set. At step 408,an indication of a user selection of the expand interface component isreceived.

At step 410, in response to the received indication, and for the atleast one post unit, the post content and a second interface set areprovided for display on the second side of the post unit. The secondinterface set includes a greater number or a different class ofinterface components for interacting with the post content compared tothe one or more interface components of the first interface set.

The second interface set can further include an interface component forreturning to display of the post content with the first interface set,on the first side of the post unit. Providing the post content and thesecond interface set can provide an expanded version of the postcontent, relative to the post content provided with the first interfaceset. An animation effect can be provided to transition display from thefirst side of the post unit to the second side of the post unit.

The interface components for the second interface set can beuser-specified. The interface components for the second interface setcan be specific to a type of the post content. The type of the postcontent can correspond, for example, to at least one of a posted link, aphoto album, a video, a questionnaire, a voting interface, a video game,a chat session, a video chat session, or a product purchase offer.

The post content can include an item for sale, and the first interfaceset can include one or more interface components for displaying thename, price and image of the item for sale. The second interface set caninclude an interface component for purchasing the item.

At least one of the post content and the first interface set or the postcontent and the second interface set can be provided for 3D display on a3D screen. The post content and the second interface can be provided for3D display so as to emerge from the 3D screen. Availability of the 3Dscreen can be detected, and providing the post content and the firstinterface set for 3D display and/or providing the post content and thesecond interface set for 3D display can be based on the detectedavailability of the 3D screen.

The stream interface can be displayed on a mobile device, and receivingthe indication of the user selection of the expand interface componentcan be based on an orientation of the mobile device.

Providing the post content and the first interface set for displayand/or providing the post content and the second interface set fordisplay can be based on an API-based editing mode for the post unit.

Log data can be provided for at least one of receiving the indication ofthe user selection of the expand interface component, receiving userinteraction corresponding to the first interface set, or receiving userinteraction corresponding to the second interface set.

The process then ends at end block 412.

FIG. 5 conceptually illustrates an example electronic system with whichsome implementations of the subject technology can be implemented.Electronic system 500 can be a computer, phone, PDA, or any other sortof electronic device. Such an electronic system includes various typesof computer readable media and interfaces for various other types ofcomputer readable media. Electronic system 500 includes a bus 508,processing unit(s) 512, a system memory 504, a read-only memory (ROM)510, a permanent storage device 502, an input device interface 514, anoutput device interface 506, and a network interface 516.

Bus 508 collectively represents all system, peripheral, and chipsetbuses that communicatively connect the numerous internal devices ofelectronic system 500. For instance, bus 508 communicatively connectsprocessing unit(s) 512 with ROM 510, system memory 504, and permanentstorage device 502.

From these various memory units, processing unit(s) 512 retrievesinstructions to execute and data to process in order to execute theprocesses of the subject disclosure. The processing unit(s) can be asingle processor or a multi-core processor in different implementations.

ROM 510 stores static data and instructions that are needed byprocessing unit(s) 512 and other modules of the electronic system.Permanent storage device 502, on the other hand, is a read-and-writememory device. This device is a non-volatile memory unit that storesinstructions and data even when electronic system 500 is off. Someimplementations of the subject disclosure use a mass-storage device (forexample, a magnetic or optical disk and its corresponding disk drive) aspermanent storage device 502.

Other implementations use a removable storage device (for example, afloppy disk, flash drive, and its corresponding disk drive) as permanentstorage device 502. Like permanent storage device 502, system memory 504is a read-and-write memory device. However, unlike storage device 502,system memory 504 is a volatile read-and-write memory, such a randomaccess memory. System memory 504 stores some of the instructions anddata that the processor needs at runtime. In some implementations, theprocesses of the subject disclosure are stored in system memory 504,permanent storage device 502, or ROM 510. For example, the variousmemory units include instructions for displaying a post unit within astream interface in accordance with some implementations. From thesevarious memory units, processing unit(s) 512 retrieves instructions toexecute and data to process in order to execute the processes of someimplementations.

Bus 508 also connects to input and output device interfaces 514 and 506.Input device interface 514 enables the user to communicate informationand select commands to the electronic system. Input devices used withinput device interface 514 include, for example, alphanumeric keyboardsand pointing devices (also called “cursor control devices”). Outputdevice interfaces 506 enables, for example, the display of imagesgenerated by the electronic system 500. Output devices used with outputdevice interface 506 include, for example, printers and display devices,for example, cathode ray tubes (CRT) or liquid crystal displays (LCD).Some implementations include devices, for example, a touchscreen thatfunctions as both input and output devices.

Finally, as shown in FIG. 5, bus 508 also couples electronic system 500to a network (not shown) through a network interface 516. In thismanner, the computer can be a part of a network of computers (forexample, a local area network (“LAN”), a wide area network (“WAN”), oran Intranet, or a network of networks, for example, the Internet. Any orall components of electronic system 500 can be used in conjunction withthe subject disclosure.

Many of the above-described features and applications are implemented assoftware processes that are specified as a set of instructions recordedon a computer readable storage medium (also referred to as computerreadable medium). When these instructions are executed by one or moreprocessing unit(s) (e.g., one or more processors, cores of processors,or other processing units), they cause the processing unit(s) to performthe actions indicated in the instructions. Examples of computer readablemedia include, but are not limited to, CD-ROMs, flash drives, RAM chips,hard drives, EPROMs, etc. The computer readable media does not includecarrier waves and electronic signals passing wirelessly or over wiredconnections.

In this specification, the term “software” is meant to include firmwareresiding in read-only memory or applications stored in magnetic storage,which can be read into memory for processing by a processor. Also, insome implementations, multiple software aspects of the subjectdisclosure can be implemented as sub-parts of a larger program whileremaining distinct software aspects of the subject disclosure. In someimplementations, multiple software aspects can also be implemented asseparate programs. Finally, any combination of separate programs thattogether implement a software aspect described here is within the scopeof the subject disclosure. In some implementations, the softwareprograms, when installed to operate on one or more electronic systems,define one or more specific machine implementations that execute andperform the operations of the software programs.

A computer program (also known as a program, software, softwareapplication, script, or code) can be written in any form of programminglanguage, including compiled or interpreted languages, declarative orprocedural languages, and it can be deployed in any form, including as astand alone program or as a module, component, subroutine, object, orother unit suitable for use in a computing environment. A computerprogram may, but need not, correspond to a file in a file system. Aprogram can be stored in a portion of a file that holds other programsor data (e.g., one or more scripts stored in a markup languagedocument), in a single file dedicated to the program in question, or inmultiple coordinated files (e.g., files that store one or more modules,sub programs, or portions of code). A computer program can be deployedto be executed on one computer or on multiple computers that are locatedat one site or distributed across multiple sites and interconnected by acommunication network.

These functions described above can be implemented in digital electroniccircuitry, in computer software, firmware or hardware. The techniquescan be implemented using one or more computer program products.Programmable processors and computers can be included in or packaged asmobile devices. The processes and logic flows can be performed by one ormore programmable processors and by one or more programmable logiccircuitry. General and special purpose computing devices and storagedevices can be interconnected through communication networks.

Some implementations include electronic components, for example,microprocessors, storage and memory that store computer programinstructions in a machine-readable or computer-readable medium(alternatively referred to as computer-readable storage media,machine-readable media, or machine-readable storage media). Someexamples of such computer-readable media include RAM, ROM, read-onlycompact discs (CD-ROM), recordable compact discs (CD-R), rewritablecompact discs (CD-RW), read-only digital versatile discs (e.g., DVD-ROM,dual-layer DVD-ROM), a variety of recordable/rewritable DVDs (e.g.,DVD-RAM, DVD-RW, DVD+RW, etc.), flash memory (e.g., SD cards, mini-SDcards, micro-SD cards, etc.), magnetic or solid state hard drives,read-only and recordable Blu-Ray® discs, ultra density optical discs,any other optical or magnetic media, and floppy disks. Thecomputer-readable media can store a computer program that is executableby at least one processing unit and includes sets of instructions forperforming various operations. Examples of computer programs or computercode include machine code, for example, is produced by a compiler, andfiles including higher-level code that are executed by a computer, anelectronic component, or a microprocessor using an interpreter.

While the above discussion primarily refers to microprocessor ormulti-core processors that execute software, some implementations areperformed by one or more integrated circuits, for example, applicationspecific integrated circuits (ASICs) or field programmable gate arrays(FPGAs). In some implementations, such integrated circuits executeinstructions that are stored on the circuit itself.

As used in this specification and any claims of this application, theterms “computer”, “server”, “processor”, and “memory” all refer toelectronic or other technological devices. These terms exclude people orgroups of people. For the purposes of the specification, the termsdisplay or displaying means displaying on an electronic device. As usedin this specification and any claims of this application, the terms“computer readable medium” and “computer readable media” are entirelyrestricted to tangible, physical objects that store information in aform that is readable by a computer. These terms exclude any wirelesssignals, wired download signals, and any other ephemeral signals.

To provide for interaction with a user, implementations of the subjectmatter described in this specification can be implemented on a computerhaving a display device, e.g., a CRT (cathode ray tube) or LCD (liquidcrystal display) monitor, for displaying information to the user and akeyboard and a pointing device, e.g., a mouse or a trackball, by whichthe user can provide input to the computer. Other kinds of devices canbe used to provide for interaction with a user as well; for example,feedback provided to the user can be any form of sensory feedback, e.g.,visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback; and input fromthe user can be received in any form, including acoustic, speech, ortactile input. In addition, a computer can interact with a user bysending documents to and receiving documents from a device that is usedby the user; for example, by sending web pages to a web browser on auser's client device in response to requests received from the webbrowser.

Embodiments of the subject matter described in this specification can beimplemented in a computing system that includes a back end component,e.g., as a data server, or that includes a middleware component, e.g.,an application server, or that includes a front end component, e.g., aclient computer having a graphical user interface or a Web browserthrough which a user can interact with an implementation of the subjectmatter described in this specification, or any combination of one ormore such back end, middleware, or front end components. The componentsof the system can be interconnected by any form or medium of digitaldata communication, e.g., a communication network. Examples ofcommunication networks include a local area network (“LAN”) and a widearea network (“WAN”), an inter-network (e.g., the Internet), andpeer-to-peer networks (e.g., ad hoc peer-to-peer networks).

The computing system can include clients and servers. A client andserver are generally remote from each other and typically interactthrough a communication network. The relationship of client and serverarises by virtue of computer programs running on the respectivecomputers and having a client-server relationship to each other. In someembodiments, a server transmits data (e.g., an HTML page) to a clientdevice (e.g., for purposes of displaying data to and receiving userinput from a user interacting with the client device). Data generated atthe client device (e.g., a result of the user interaction) can bereceived from the client device at the server.

It is understood that any specific order or hierarchy of steps in theprocesses disclosed is an illustration of example approaches. Based upondesign preferences, it is understood that the specific order orhierarchy of steps in the processes may be rearranged, or that allillustrated steps be performed. Some of the steps may be performedsimultaneously. For example, in certain circumstances, multitasking andparallel processing may be advantageous. Moreover, the separation ofvarious system components in the embodiments described above should notbe understood as requiring such separation in all embodiments, and itshould be understood that the described program components and systemscan generally be integrated together in a single software product orpackaged into multiple software products.

The previous description is provided to enable any person skilled in theart to practice the various aspects described herein. Variousmodifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilledin the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied toother aspects. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to theaspects shown herein, but are to be accorded the full scope consistentwith the language claims, wherein reference to an element in thesingular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specificallyso stated, but rather “one or more.” Unless specifically statedotherwise, the term “some” refers to one or more. Pronouns in themasculine (e.g., his) include the feminine and neuter gender (e.g., herand its) and vice versa. Headings and subheadings, if any, are used forconvenience only and do not limit the subject disclosure.

A phrase such as an “aspect” does not imply that such aspect isessential to the subject technology or that such aspect applies to allconfigurations of the subject technology. A disclosure relating to anaspect may apply to all configurations, or one or more configurations. Aphrase such as an aspect may refer to one or more aspects and viceversa. A phrase such as a “configuration” does not imply that suchconfiguration is essential to the subject technology or that suchconfiguration applies to all configurations of the subject technology. Adisclosure relating to a configuration may apply to all configurations,or one or more configurations. A phrase such as a configuration mayrefer to one or more configurations and vice versa.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: providing, for display at afirst size, a first user interface within a stream interface of anapplication, the first user interface including post content and a firstcomponent set for interacting with the post content; receiving userselection of a hyperlink within the post content; and providing, fordisplay and in response to the user selection, a second user interfacewith webpage content corresponding to the hyperlink, the second userinterface being displayed at a second size larger than the first size,and as an overlay above the application.
 2. The method of claim 1,wherein the second user interface comprises a second component set forinteracting with the webpage content.
 3. The method of claim 1, whereinthe second user interface comprises a return interface for returning todisplay of the first user interface.
 4. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising: providing a blur effect on portions of the stream interfacethat are not covered by the overlay of the second user interface.
 5. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising: providing for an animation effectwhich transitions display from the first user interface to the seconduser interface.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the second sizecorresponds to a full browser screen.
 7. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising: providing, via the second user interface, for usernavigation throughout the webpage content.
 8. The method of claim 7,wherein the user navigation comprises directing to second webpagecontent via a second hyperlink in the webpage content.
 9. A systemcomprising: one or more processors; and a machine-readable mediumcomprising instructions stored therein, which when executed by theprocessors, cause the processors to perform operations comprising:providing, for display at a first size, a first user interface within astream interface of an application, the first user interface includingpost content and a first component set for interacting with the postcontent; receiving user selection of a hyperlink within the postcontent; and providing, for display and in response to the userselection, a second user interface with webpage content corresponding tothe hyperlink, the second user interface being displayed at a secondsize larger than the first size, and as an overlay above theapplication, wherein the second user interface comprises a secondcomponent set for interacting with the webpage content.
 10. The systemof claim 9, wherein the second user interface comprises a returninterface for returning to display of the first user interface.
 11. Thesystem of claim 9, the operations further comprising: providing a blureffect on portions of the stream interface that are not covered by theoverlay of the second user interface.
 12. The system of claim 9, theoperations further comprising: providing for an animation effect whichtransitions display from the first user interface to the second userinterface.
 13. The system of claim 9, wherein the second sizecorresponds to a full browser screen.
 14. The system of claim 9, theoperations further comprising: providing, via the second user interface,for user navigation throughout the webpage content.
 15. The system ofclaim 14, wherein the user navigation comprises directing to secondwebpage content via a second hyperlink in the webpage content.
 16. Amachine-readable medium comprising instructions stored therein, whichwhen executed by a system, cause the system to perform operationscomprising: providing, for display at a first size, a first userinterface within a stream interface of an application, the first userinterface including post content and a first component set forinteracting with the post content; receiving user selection of ahyperlink within the post content; and providing, for display and inresponse to the user selection, a second user interface with webpagecontent corresponding to the hyperlink, the second user interface beingdisplayed at a second size larger than the first size, and as an overlayabove the application, wherein the second user interface comprises areturn interface for returning to display of the first user interface.17. The machine-readable medium of claim 16, the operations furthercomprising: providing a blur effect on portions of the stream interfacethat are not covered by the overlay of the second user interface. 18.The machine-readable medium of claim 16, the operations furthercomprising: providing for an animation effect which transitions displayfrom the first user interface to the second user interface.
 19. Themachine-readable medium of claim 16, wherein the second size correspondsto a full browser screen.
 20. The machine-readable medium of claim 16,the operations further comprising: providing, via the second userinterface, for user navigation throughout the webpage content.